what kind of impacts can lyrics make

        In class on Tuesday, we talked about sexualisation throughtout the years in rap music. However we also talked about the extremely empowering anthem “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” by Aretha Franklin. One of most contradictory topics we discussed in class was the combination of rap artists sexualizing their songs while also trying to fight for their own civil rights. Although many of the degrading lyrics were probably used to relate to some of the audience, nowadays the powerful messages coming from many of the older rap songs is almost tainted because of their over use of sexualization. And personally, it almost does not make sense as to why rap artists would want to portray themselves in this way. Rapping like this can cause their lyrics to be misunderstood, as well as to give rappers a poor image.
        The Weissman reading lists some of the examples of sexulization in songs. These examples include things like demanding sex, women being treated as object, and appalling references to sexual acts. Sex was not the only thing that rap artists referenced in their music. They also referenced extreme violence as well rough partying. Weissman does make a point that rappers feel the need to keep up their tough exterior. Especially because they sell more if they are a more aggressive personality in their music. Although it is sad that this is true, Weissman does talk about how the more gangsta images for rapers make their music sell the best. Even though this is true, nowadays, a more positive image still gets you a long way. Not only that, staying positive and trying to get rid of the sexualizing parts of that culture, is also a better way for you to be heard. A rappers lyrics are more likely to have a bigger impact nowadays if they keep a positive image. For example, “1-800-273-8255” by Logic, had a really great impact in 2017. They used this song as a message and actually titled it after the suicide prevention hotline. The song was not only nominated for a grammy, but it also tripled the calls to the hotline after Logic performed it. Visit https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/03/us/logic-grammys-performance-suicide-prevention-calls-trnd/index.html  to see more of the great impact from Logic's song and powerful performance.
        Although this song does not talk about sexualizing women, it does show how great of an impact having a positive and uplifting image can have. Aretha Franklin definitely started this movement with her song “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” I believe that this song not only started to change the content of her genre, but also the content of the songs that many rappers produced. Although the culture of sexualization in music is definitely not perfect now, its hopefully getting better. If rappers especially change they way they spread a message to make it more powerful, it will definitely reach a broader audience, and have a greater impact on society as a whole.

WORKS CITED
        Benson, Lindsay. “Logic's Grammys Performance Tripled Calls to a National Suicide Prevention Line.”  CNN, Cable News Network, 4 Feb. 2018, www.cnn.com/2018/02/03/us/logic-grammys-performance-suicide-prevention-calls-trnd/index.html.

I'm not racist

          Everyday in class I feel as though my eyes get more opened to past and current events. The short essays we will do at the end of every unit are a very interesting aspect to the class. Its intersting that we get to pick a song and artist of choice and relate what we were learning about in class to current events of our world. It was really interesting to see everyones take on this and the current songs they chose to relate to our African-American unit.

          I liked to be able to get an insight not only into peoples preferences of music but how to look deeper into and understand it as well. While presenting in class we heard everything from rap and hip-hop, to blues. All of these songs related to the unit we were studying and also all had their own standpoint of a current issue of America. In the song "Im not racist" by Joyner Lucas we get a look into racial discrimination from the view of a caucasian man and an African American man. This song stood out to me the most in our discussion because i feel like it speaks the most to the issues in modern day America. The song starts off from the caucasian man's point of view, and he is sitting there dissing black culture by saying that they act as though they were the ones picking cotton and out in the fields insinuating that it doesn't affect them now. He goes on to say how blacks need to claim their kids, how whites pay taxes to support their lives because they don't wanna get jobs, an that African Americans don't have anyone else to blame for their issues so they blame whites. After completely dissing their culture he goes on to say but "I'm not racist, my sister's boyfriend's black I'm not racist, my sister-in-law's baby cousin Tracy Got a brother and his girlfriend's black." Meaning that even though he is saying all of these horrible things, because he knows a couple black people, it makes it ok and makes him not racist. At the end of the caucasian male going on about his issues with african american culture and society he says that he knows there are two sides to every story and wishes he could know his(the african american male). Him saying this shows some light and hope between the two races for potential understanding

          After the caucasian males spiel it transfer over to the African American males point of view. He talks about the situation from his point of view and how everything he tries to do it feels like someone is pushing against him. He says "With all disrespect I don't really like you white motherfuckers, that's just where I'm at Screaming "All Lives Matter" Is a protest to my protest, what kind of shit is that?" Meaning that they already are struggling and that they feel like the "all lives matter" protest is whites going against African Americans "black lives matter" protest. African Americans are just trying to stick up for their lives because they're history still sticks with them today. They get judged by the color of their skin and don't even feel safe driving because they feel like cops are always trying to start something.

         Both of the ends of the verses both men say that they feel like there is a disconnect between their two races and that they could switch lives for a day so they could both see what its like to live in the others skin. This song stuck out to me the most because i like how it shows a back and forth between a caucasian  and african american man. Its a very powerful song with an even more powerful meaning or equality behind it. I feel like these short essays will be a very interesting way to end each topic in class because it allows us to connect something we learned about in class with a modern day issue through music.

Everything is going to be Alright

This week we discussed two major topics that stuck with me in class.  One being the concept of sexualization in rap, and the other the false stereotypes of rap. The two are highly controversial and I feel should be discussed at a much higher level. It seems today that all popular songs include some type of mention of woman, usually not positive. A lot of rappers compose lyrics based off of women's physical attractions in a disrespectful manner. For example Kanye Wests new song "I love it" constantly repeats the lyric "You're such a hoe... I love it". This clearly has no lyrical meaning and is just a song about nothing. Rappers from the 90s such as Tupac, Biggie Smalls, and N.W.A have complete different styles of rapping than artists of todays generations. Their songs are filled with thoughtful lyrics, incepted with political messages that are hopeful to impact and create change on our society. As for the concept of False Sterotypes in the world of rap, I never really thought about this concept before. When listening to a song I don't usually think about the author on that extreme of a basis. I don't think about their actual role in society when listening to their songs let alone their financial status when growing up. By no means do I believe you must grow up in a poor lifestyle to become a successful rapper. I believe that anyone has the ability to be great at something regardless of their up-bringing. Its silly to say that in order to become a respectable rapper in todays society, you must be thug, have many experiences in the hood and involved in crime. Many rappers do not have these artistes and are just as successful. They may not rap the same kinds of lyrics, but still capture the attention of millions of fans by their special style of rap. For example, Jayden Smith. He could be considered a popular rapper in todays society who also happened to be born into a family of fame and wealth, but with these has his own sense of style.

This week we spent a lot of time reflecting on our own music interests and what they entail. I personally spent a lot of time researching the song Alright by Kendrick Lamar and my love for the artist grew tremendously. After hearing feedback from the class of all the songs he has released with such powerful political messages, he really stood out to me as an artist looking to make a difference. Like Nina Simone and Marvin Gaye these artists are all examples of ones who have used their platform to preach positivity, send their ideas as well as send love.  This song is now been g called Americas new anthem, because of the such inspiring lyrics the song brings. Kendrick Lamar is constantly reminding his fans that no matter what things are going to be okay. This leaves so much room for hope because even as famous as Kendrick Lamar is, he can relate to his fans going through discrimination and reassure them that everything is going to be okay. It is a catchy song, but over all a song that is full of strength, power, and resillence.

In Class Song Choices

After listening to my classmates tell the rest of the class which song they picked and how their songs factored into the topic of how their performers used their platform to reach for change, I noticed the wide variety of music that people picked. The music picked ranged from rap, to spiritual music, hip-hop, and many other genres. After I listened to the detailed responses students made, it dawned on me that most students did not just pick any music that they felt tied into the subject or assignment easily, but most picked music that they could connect to on a personal level.
Choices around the room ranged from uplifting pop to raps about inequality, and from raps about rights to hip-hop about freedom. Looking at each individual person you could see the connection that many had to their songs and how writing about them had had such a positive affect on each classmate.
Personally, I did not choose a song that I could relate to and looking back, I wish I did. I wish I could've written an insightful piece that come from my own feelings but instead I wrote about a topic that I just felt strongly about which was racism and inequality in America. Although I believe that my writing was still good, I wish that I had been driven by that extra force of self motivation which would have resulted in a better paper all-around.
To end this post, I am curious to see if anybody noticed the same thing or was in the same boat as the people that I talked about. If you are, or even if you aren't, I would love to hear if you agree or disagree with anything that I said, or if you have any insight from a piece that you personally related to.

Where Is The Love, America?

   This week we were asked to find a song that has related, in our opinion, to what we have been talking about in class. This was a really amazing assignment, because it gave an opportunity to sit back and think about the songs I listen to. Sometimes I listen to my playlist on shuffle and don't really listen to what is going on with the artist. I chose the song "This is America" by Childish Gambino, because I think it is the perfect representation of the time. Gambino exposes the world today, and says we are simply distracted by the media. I never understood the video in depth until this assignment, and now I am so happy I got the opportunity to. The media distraction reminded me of a modern "Where Is The Love" by The Black Eyed Peas. In their song they mentioned how they think the "whole world addicted to the drama". These songs are similar by exposing problems of people not focusing on terrible things happening each and every day. I also loved this assignment for being able to listen to my classmates on the songs they picked as well. I was shocked to hear so many Kendrick Lamar songs. I was unaware that even his up-beat and catchy songs have deeper meanings. I didn't know how political Kendrick Lamar actually is. I will definitely have to listen to his more frequently now, and listen more closely to the lyrics too.

The Duality of Gangster Rap

    This week in class, we covered quite a substantial amount of information. With a plethora of topics to write about, what I found to be the most interesting was the duality (or dare I say hypocrisy) of gangster rap. Now, the problem here doesn’t lie within rap itself so much as it lies within the image created by many rappers so as to obtain credibility.  As an instrument for political change and outward expression, rap can be a beautiful and powerful force. The impact of artists such as N.W.A. continue to shake up our social and political climate even to this day. Unfortunately, however, even the best of rappers often fall for the absurd pressure to maintain an appearance of overpowering masculinity.

    The attainment of this image, for some reason, relies heavily on the use of lyrics that actually take away from the persuasive credibility of the rapper. Though several raps gripe about social inequality, a common trait of gangster rap includes the degradation of women among others. One would imagine that a person who desperately wants to be treated equally would be inclusive of people experiencing a similar struggle, yet ironically this tends to not always be the case. Another stereotypical trait of rap image remains the flaunting of power and excess wealth. This takes away from some of the more important issues addressed in songs in that it promotes the idea that true value lies in physical possessions rather than anything else. Sexism results in inequality while wealth distracts from the true issues at hand.

    The good news perhaps about the image of rappers, at least from personal experience, is that less and less modern rappers choose to follow these guidelines. They are able to write incredibly meaningful songs while refusing to compromise their beliefs or put others down to make themselves look good. This is done by speaking out for both oppressed men and women, refusing to berate others unless provoked, and by focusing on topics such as mental health rather than the attainment of wealth. Through this, rappers show that they are much more self-accepting and politically conscious, and break the constraints of rap image by being themselves. In this way, they prove that perceived toughness or masculinity does not equate to success.

A Change for the Better

People listening to the rap music today probably feels like there is a big difference between what used to be rapped about and the topics today. A lot of songs you hear on the radio have to do with the good things in life now that the rappers are rich and famous. They all talk about partying, smoking and drinking, or getting women all the time. People lose respect for the rap genre because of everything they seem to stand for. It only seems like they are degrading women and glamorizing drugs. Instead of focusing on words and meanings behind songs, people are focusing on the beat and the cool dances that go along with it. Even with all these new songs and artists rising up, there are still some people who stay true to the meanings and want to speak their minds.
Popular artists like J.Cole and Kendrick Lamar speak the truth about what they feel is wrong with society. They feel like the African American community is still being segregated against even in a time where equality should exist. Songs like This is America by Childish Gambino calls out everything that he feels is messed up with America. He sees that people get distracted by these trends all around them. People want to follow these dance trends that they see these African American do to these rap songs, but they ignore the present day struggles that they still face. These rappers are talking about the oppression that they still see and want to change. Kendrick Lamar raps in his song The Blacker the Berry that there are traits that people look at when they see African Americans that set them apart from other people. There are traits that they can't help, these traits have been passed around from generations before that show the differences they were segregated from in the past. Many rappers call themselves different racial slurs or relate themselves back to slavery to show that even today, African Americans are still oppressed.
People still have these strong feelings that they want to let out. Songs like Mississippi Goddam by Nina Simone have the same strong emotional appeal that get people thinking. Songs like these get people mad for a reason, they get people to want to see change in society. So overall, yes rap has changed. It may have become more superficial and some songs may focus on things that not everyone agrees with, but some songs still have meaning. Some rap songs are sill created to have a purpose and stand up for the rights of people.

Song Choices

Listening to people’s song choices in class was very interesting to me. Personally, there were some songs mentioned that I knew prior, and really enjoyed hearing about. The Birds and the Bees by ScHoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar is a personal favorite song of mine. I liked to hear another personal analysis of the song and compare it to mine. In the first verse, ScHoolboy Q talks about the risks of drug dealing, and why it is taken on in urban communities. I also like how Kendrick Lamar comes in like the good angel on Q’s shoulder and encourages him to do better. Something I believe is unique to my interpretation is the phrase “birds and the bees” that Q repeats throughout the song. A logical explanation for this phrase is that a common teaching for young children is the birds and the bees, as drugs and violence and other things of that sort are common teachings in urban neighborhoods. I’ve known this song for many years, and it has maintained a spot in my heart as a favorite. I also loved to hear people’s interpretations on Kendrick Lamar songs. Also, for many years Kendrick has been one of my favorite artists. “Alright” is commonly known as an anthem in the current fight for equality. “The Blacker the Berry” is also a less known song that is mainly about social justice. Kendrick Lamar is just an amazing artist as a whole and is definitely a positive role model. He is a black male hailing from Compton, California, and he even comes from Piru gang affiliations. I love the fact that he comes from all of this and shatters all stereotypes by being a smart man who does not involve himself in gang activities. It shows people that not all black people, especially urban minorities are not uneducated, and we are not all criminals. For a young minority, I really appreciate Kendricks influence, and overall, I love his music! Overall, I really enjoyed hearing my peer's song choices and what they thought they meant. I agreed basically with what everything I heard. 

Sexualization in Rap

The concept of sexualizing women in general is something that goes much broader than just in rap music but for today I will just focus on it in music. In most rap videos we typically see barely clothed or fully nude women sexually dancing or serving the rapper a glass of alcohol or pretty much anything of the classic women stereotype, meaning that their duty is to serve and please men. Whether that be by looking “attractive” or cooking and cleaning, it is truly a sad thing. Think about it how many times have you seen a rap video where there are girls or women in a classroom setting, playing a sport, or in an office setting. Almost never it's always a barely covered woman on a pole or in front of a fast car, and aside from the general sexualization of women most women are just blatantly disrespected. Women are constantly referred to as “hoes” and “sluts” or other derogatory terms women are constantly objectified and seen as nothing but objects for men to play with. But the strangest part of the whole thing is how these rappers can say all of these things but then as soon as they make a song about their mother or daughters their whole tone completely changes and they speak so highly of women and complain about how they are treated and viewed by the rest of the world. For example, Kanye West recently came out with a song called Violent Crimes all about how he hopes his daughter isn’t viewed as a sexual object, or involved in a abusive relationship with a man. But then even more recently he came out with a song called “I love it” that has a hook that says “You’re such a F@#%*ng hoe I love it”  with other vulgar lyrics that I honestly don't feel comfortable writing in this blog post. So, it is a slippery slope that these rappers are walking but overall women are over sexualized in rap music along with in the regular world.

Can We All Get Along ?

September 25, Professor Santos gave us all an assignment to do. Which was to pick a song that you like and write a short essay on it but still has to talk about what we have been discussing in class and on until one. I thought it was going a hard assignment as first until I realized I know so much songs that relates to everything we have been talking about in class.


That same week on Thursday, we all had to share with the class and honestly I was amazed by all the different kind of songs that everyone picked to talk about. Everyone had their own taste of music but still talked about slavery, racism, and many more. I don't remember one of the students name and I apologizes for that. I'm good with faces, not names. But he was after Maddie when we was sharing our short essays and honestly he really gave me goose bumps because everything he was saying was nothing but the truth and on how I'm feeling. African American were taught hate and violence. Half of these kids don't have their parents around to teach the right things because most of are in gangs or in jail. Most parents have to understand, your children are a reflection of you and what they see you do they will end up doing the same. Sometimes it doesn't always go that way. Nowadays most people all they want to do is to become a rapper and not knowing how grimy the industry really is. I mean look what they're doing to Nicki Minaj. To be in this industry you need to have tough skin or you will fail and let everything get to you. Doesn't everyone see how half the songs from back than are related to everything that's going on today?


I suggest everyone to listen to the song I did for the short essay it's by Joyner Lucas - I am not racist because it's creative.

Link-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43gm3CJePn0

The False Stereotypes of Hip Hop

This week we were each given a song to listen to and to analyze the lyrics. I was given “F the Police” by N.W.A. Before getting assigned the song I had only heard small parts of the song and didn’t pay much attention to the lyrics. I listened to the song twice before listening to it while reading the lyrics. The song was very unique, and I liked it because of its uniqueness.

The song started out with people talking like they were in a court room. Each person throughout the song explained their encounters to the judge and jury. Just that part alone made me think of how creative and smart artists are. That is one thing that I believe society does not see especially when it comes to hip hop. I feel like hip hop has such a bad stereotype to it that people think the rappers behind the song aren’t educated.

Another stereotype that hip hop have is that the lyrics are only about violence and sex. Anyone who takes the time to actually took up lyrics or the commentary to these songs would soon realize that this stereotype is also wrong. Hip hop has some of the most raw and relatable songs than the other genres. After listening to F, the Police, the topics that they brought up were very specific and can relate to people when the song came out, and now.

As a whole I believe that people do not understand how powerful music is. Music is one of those things that brings out a fire in certain people. Shy people become outgoing when singing or playing music. Music is universal and can spread messages faster than word of mouth. This ties in with the video we watched about Zach de la Roche and how he was able to find different organizations and bring them together for a march.

Hip Hop has grown throughout the years. While there aren’t as many rappers who rap for a purpose, there are still many who use their platform to speak up for what they believe in.

Public Enemy

         Public enemy is a political rap group that gained popularity in the 1980's. The group rewrote the rules of hip-hop, becoming the most influential and controversial rap group of the late '80s because of the way they don't hold back on real-life issues. The group was inspired by many artists before them like Run-D.M.C. and Boogie Down Productions', Public Enemy was the rap group that birthed a style of hardcore rap that was musically and politically revolutionary.

         The lead rapper Chuck D rapped and was very vocal  about the multiple types of social problems, he had his focus set on those issues disrupting the growth of the black community, he made it perfectly clear that he was for revolutionary tactics and social activism. In the process, he was the man that gave hip-hop artist their chance to be self-aware, a pro-black and consciousness person that many rappers after him took on that persona became the culture's signature throughout the next decade.

          I enjoy their music and a majority of the political issues that this group raps about is right. The people have a long way to go before the community can be to where it should be. I do believe that conscious rap is the black CNN for getting these issues heard and to have the general public see for themselves that a change is needed. For example, it can bring people together that agrees with the artist by attending on the concerts and these people can talk and network with about what should be changed first can work on something big that can make the community better.


citations
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/public-enemy-mn0000856785/biography

What Music Means to Me

Music to me, means a lot. Ever since I was born, I've been around music. My Mom used to have a great amount of CDs, tapes, instruments, and is a really good singer as well, so I was always around music growing up. As I went into my teen years, my taste in music changed drastically. When I was about 10, I got my first mp3 player. With this device, I would experience listening to music I chose to listen to, when I wanted to, adjust the volume, etc. I loved the feeling of hearing music I liked or discovering new music I liked. When I got my first iPod, I began streaming music and my taste quickly changed from rock n roll to rap/ hip hop. When I was 7, I began playing the guitar but as I began to like hip hop/ rap more and more, I slowly drifted more towards drums and piano. Guitar was still my main instrument but I did not play it as much. Fast forward to age 17, I started to make beats. When I figured out how to make my favorite type of music, I realized I want to make music for the rest of my life.
I am always listening to music. When I am not listening to it, I am probably either thinking of music or making it. I make beats every day and work to get better. I love the process of making a beat, listening to it, giving it to an artist, and hearing a complete, released project. Music has done a lot for me in my life.

Blowin’ in the wind 

In 1963 Bob Dylan released a song called “Blowin in the wind”. I decided this week I would look up something along the lines of songs that really made a difference, just like we had been doing in class. The songs highlight basically speak about peace, freedom, and really brought up questions that were getting ignored at the time. Hence the name blowin in the wind, when something gets brought up for change it just floats away until it really comes to an end. All of the answers are up in the sky so to speak.  

I personally took the metaphor as all of the answers could be all around us but nobody can see them, just like the wind itself. The song is very anti-war and anti-fighting. There are lines saying “Yes, ‘n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died? The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind” I feel as though people at the time really did not know the answer to that particular question. Whenever war would stop all knew another was coming.  

Within class this week I realized how much music there really is spreading messages all around the word. Music is so powerful in a way that getting a point across can become so easy if people really take the time to listen and discuss what is being said.It really is an eye-opening thing that these artists have the ability to make a real change, just by writing a song and performing it everywhere. 

"There's Got to Be a Way"

On Tuesday September 25th, Professor Santos played a few music videos for the class that we recently had homework assignments on. The song that popped out for me was the NWA - F*** the Police (Straight Outta Compton movie). The song reflected people being able to exercise their First Amendment Right - freedom of speech while getting out their frustration about police brutality. It had an extremely vulgar political spin on it which was not for my taste. In my opinion, I prefer more uplifting, sentimental and peaceful songs which have political messages behind the lyrics rather than vulgar, oppressive and overwhelming tones to the song with the same message behind it. Peaceful songs are more likely to inspire me whereas vulgar music will most likely make me turn the song off immediately and give no consideration to it. 

When Professor Santos asked each student to pick a song of our choosing that directly reflected topics in Unit 1 that we discussed, I immediately knew I wanted to pick a song that reflected racism with more of a peaceful approach to the social-political stance but uplifting and inspirational at the same time. I then came across the song "There's Got to Be a Way" by Mariah Carey and absolutely loved it. It was a very powerful and deeply meaningful song recognized by its social political stance behind it - putting an end to racism. It has an R&B and pop feel to the song. The song reflects racism, poverty and war. Mariah spreads the word of love in her song and she wants the world to come together and unite as a whole to put an end to the world's trouble. Below I have attached the music video of "There's Got to Be a Way".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgvfstfnIKA

Be Confident!

This week we were asked to chose a song that relates to a topic we have covered in the first unit and I chose ***Flawless by Beyonce. I chose this song because it is all about feminism, women standing up for themselves and self confidence. Throughout this unit we have talked a lot about women empowerment and sexualizing women. Beyonce is such a talented singer and performer that she can really get a message out there that her fans will listen to and hopefully act on.

In my essay I discussed Beyonce's main message that she was preaching throughout the song. She's telling women to love yourself and tell yourself that you look good. Also that you shouldn't stand in someone else's shadow (in this case, a mans) but make your own spotlight and shine in it. There is a Nigerian writer who has a small speech in the middle of the song and she steps in to talk about the things that young girls are told when growing up on how they "should act" and the things they"should do". It's all b.s. and thats basically what she's saying as well. No girl should grow up thinking they're worth less than a man or that they can't do something as powerful as a man. It's wrong to tell girls that they can't outshine a man so instead they have to stop when they get too powerful so they don't step on any toes. No. That's just wrong because any women is capable of being better at anything they set their mind too and put the work into and they deserve to show that.

At the end of the song Beyonce tells everyone to look at themselves in the mirror and tell yourself you look flawless and that you are flawless from the second you wake up to the second you go to bed. From start to finish you are perfect in every way. Self love and confidence is lacking in today's world and it's important to preach it whenever you can. It's so important to have someone this powerful in the music industry sending messages out there to young women telling them to love themselves. If Beyonce is telling you to do something, you do it!

Feminism is such a strong topic in today's society and something that many have really stepped up to advocate for. We have come such a long way when talking about women's rights but we still aren't quite there yet to make everything fair. It's still not a fair playing field and that's all people are trying to get. Celebrities have the power to send any message they want out to the people and by them releasing songs with meaningful messages tied to them, can start something. It can get their fans talking and start fighting for what everyone wants, but might not always be saying.

Okay America, Now let's get in Formation!

Okay America, Now let’s get in Formation!

Throughout the week we talked about how much African American people are going through all forms of racism dating all the way back from the Civil Rights Movement to today. We talked about music and how it has impacted the lives of African Americans. I chose the song Freedom by Beyoncé, Featuring Kendrick Lamar. I chose this song because I’m a big Beyoncé fan, and she is one of the biggest artists that I know that speaks her mind and isn’t afraid to show it.

Beyoncé’s Freedom is off her album Lemonade her only visual album. She uses this song as a message to the world signifying racial injustices, and police brutality. I really liked this song because she uses her platform to spread messages. During the visual representation of the song one thing really caught my eye was Michael Brown’s mother who was holding up a picture of her son after he was fatally shot by a white police officer.

 “Seven misleadin’ statements ‘bout my persona/Six headlights wavin’ in my direction/Five-O askin’ me what’s in my possession/ Yeah, I keep running’ jump in aqueducts”. This line was sung by Kendrick Lamar who voiced the existence of police Brutality.

“I break chains all by myself/ Won’t let my freedom rot in hell”. This verse is sung by Beyoncé, which really stands out because she mentions the time of racial injustice which happened during the Civil Rights Movement, and how she won’t let her freedom rot, and be taken away from her.

It’s hard to ignore that there is racism going on this world, it’s something that won’t be ignored and many artists including Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar are using their fame platform to spread a message of equality. Kendrick Lamar is a great addition to the song because of his music relating to his political stance.

During the week we also talked about the quote from James Baldwin “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually”. This quote really stood out to me because our country has that opportunity to have freedom, speak our mind, and vote. Many countries aren’t allowed freedom, so we have a privilege, but this also allows us to protest for our rights. The ‘March for Our Lives’ was a protest to the NRA the protesters being students some who were affected by the Parkland shooting. I think it’s great that we have the privilege to express how we feel.  After all freedom is a great thing.

Below I have attached the song Freedom performed at the BET Awards

https://vimeo.com/173992190

          Why does it still keep happening? Where is the change? To me it seems that even though people claim the times have changed, history keeps repeating itself. I realized this during out Thursday discussion, where we all shared a song we chose to coincide with the unit. There are so many artists singing/rapping about the same things, and they haven't changed what so ever. The same disrespectful, unequal, and harsh living conditions... Whether we look back to the 1900's and take a look at some songs like Mississippi Goddam by Nina Simone, or Black and Blue Louis Armstrong, who sang about their experiences of the oppression and injustices. Or if its more current songs by artists like Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, or Childish Gambino. The message hasn't changed... They still sing/rap about the racial injustices, like police brutality, or gun violences, but also focusing on civil rights. Even though lots of actions for the past many years have been taken in order to change that, as evident by the songs, it is still happening all the time. 

While sitting in class on Thursday, listening to everyone’s song they chose to talk about, it made me realize how many different musicians are trying to make an impact on the world. Students chose different rappers, pop artists, and blues singers. I also realized how many songs in the past still stick with people and the new generation of musicians are still talking about the same terrible things going on in the world. These artists dead or alive, spoke about the mistreatment of blacks in America. It shows how much these artists cared about their communities to speak up about these problems. Students takes about Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Beyoncé, Big L and more who all spoke about civil rights and their music was released decades apart, but it is still a topic of discussion. Most of the discussion was police brutality which is probably the biggest problem in America right now. Musicians expose the government is their songs for us to listen to and realize the things that are going on, which lead to rallies and sometimes those rallies lead to change. People also discussed gun violence in their songs from so many school shootings and wrongful deaths and now gun laws are getting passed to lessen the violence in America. The big names that were spoken about Thursday is just a small sample size of artists who speak up for what they believe in, and their following will feel the same way and stand up and force a change for the good. Music is that powerful and the talented artists from the past, present, and future will continue to inspire this world.

Using Music As A Platform

In our classes this week on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as on our own time, we have listened to many artists contribute to a time of change. Singers used their popularity reach to really instill their visions for the world we live in. I think it is so amazing that some well known groups, men, and women were all able to speak up and stand for what they believe in. It makes me happy that artists are able to speak their minds when they sing. I believe that by being a 'popular' artist, it really impacts the society's ways of thinking and their confidence. These messages seem to have a faster approach on society because of how easy these celebrities can influence something. It may end up in a shock value, but the message is still able to get out effectively. 

In my lyric analysis I did yesterday on Beyonce's song Freedom, it is clear that she was able to influence many young and older women too speak up for their rights. Throughout the song she made many relations to slavery, as well as police cruelty in Kendrick Lamar's verse. Additionally throughout the song she showed constant hope and support to people of the African American ethnicity. I think that this song made people with a black skin tone not feel alone and helpless anymore. Using her (and his) music as a platform to encourage a movement and sense of freedom to African Americans must be so comforting to them. I hope that artists today continue to speak up for what they feel is rights and changes they'd love to see in the world.

Racism Fought Through Music

This week in class we talked a lot about how many artists have a political message in some of their songs, many of which talk about racism within the US. This has been a trend all throughout history ever since there were slaves singing about wanting freedom. Now, people are still singing about the need for equal rights for black people. Though music is mostly used for entertainment, artists use it in such a powerful way to get their points across and try to make a change in a positive way. This was a big aspect in today's class when everyone was discussing which songs they chose for their short essays and how these songs have an impact in society.

When looking for a song to choose to write about, I found that there are hundreds of songs by artists trying to fight for what is right. This is an incredible way to unify the people of the US and educate them, so they can help fight these causes too. A main message that was said in these songs was about black rights and how they are not getting the respect that they deserve. I definitely agree with this because there have been a number of instances where black people are not getting treated the same as white people. For example, in the song "Brackets" by J. Cole that I researched, he touches upon the fact that black people are mainly learning about white history in school. It's true that there is a Black History month, but does that really compare to the rest of the year that mostly appreciates the white men and women throughout history? The government is behind this as well as taking so much from taxes and doing what they please with it. They claim it's for specific purposes like schools and such, but none of what they say the money is used for is getting improved. Curriculums in too many schools are still horrible and teachers are still being completely underpaid.

Without music, those who do not necessarily watch the news or read the paper would not be so aware to problems like these. Not only does it make society aware of these problems, but it gives artist an outlet for their anger and sing about the issues that are truly bothering them. I think without music, there might not be as much peace and many people would resort to violence in order to get their messages across to the public. However, people can still get in trouble for the music they make, like in the clip we watched from "Straight Outta Compton" and the NWA got arrested for performing their song "F**k the Police." Regardless of the outcome, everyone has the ability to get their messages and ideas out through song.